So, I've been feeling the itch to get back to writing. A heckin' busy schedule and a slow as all get out netbook had been hindering me for some time. While the schedule is still somewhat absurd, I am finding windows here and there. This has been helped by the fact that the aforementioned netbook died, forcing me to upgrade. I have also been making an effort to pull back at work, so as not to burn myself out mentally and physically.
Now, this won't be like the last time around. The jobs stay put. This is going to be more of a "Buzz Beer" situation as opposed to trying to go the "self employed content creator" route again. So, for all intents and purposes, I will be working three jobs as far as I'm concerned.
While content will be more consistent on both sites going forward, the plan is to ultimately move into fiction. I talked about it back when the Patreon was up and, while the means are different, the end goal does remain the same. I do still like the idea of monthly novellas. Short stories and full-on novels are also possibilities, but the novella seems like it would strike the right balance for me.
So, how does this little endeavor finance itself? Well, from where I sit, there are four main sources of revenue.
1. E-Poll
Not a huge money maker, but every little bit counts.
2. Swagbucks
You know, it's funny, as much as I feature the referral link, I haven't really used the site that much. It didn't really get along with my old computer. Now that my tech is more up to speed, I need to put this site to use to increase cash flow and boost my metrics even further. I doubt it'll be big money, but again, every bit counts.
3. Reviewstream
This one is probably the best, as it is actually tied to writing. Not only that, but I can throw the content on to either site. There is a pretty high payout threshold, so it'll take a while to get funds, but when they do come, the needle will move. On the plus side, I don't need to come up with some outlandish number in terms of articles per day to ensure my bills get paid. All that is already taken care of. I can just work at a reasonable pace and still allow myself to put some focus on bigger projects
4. Dividends
This will really be the backbone of the operation. It may not seem like it now, but as time goes on. It's going to play a bigger and bigger role.
Wait, you're using side hustles to fund a side hustle?
Yes. It's like seed money or startup capital.
The Patreon...stays down. It had its chance. Truth be told, I think I put together a good system, but it didn't go anywhere after several years, so there's no sense in wasting time and energy with it. I'm on a better path anyway. Not only is this delivering much better results, but it suits me better.
I am toying with the idea of taking certain aspects of the campaign and applying them to the dividends, namely the quasi-basic income guarantee pledge (where at $1,200/month at least 10% goes to other creators to help build their income floor) and the charity milestone (where at least another 10% goes to charity). Back when the Patreon was up, I had the latter milestone set at $4,000/month, but I am considering lowering it to $3,000. Overhead isn't the concern that it was then and getting there sooner would be better. We're still a ways away from that, but it is something to look forward to in the years to come. Better yet, at that point, I'll be able to put E-Poll and Swagbucks points towards charities to bolster things even further.
One tricky thing, though, is that dividend payouts aren't even from month to month. So, would I have to cross the threshold for all three quarter months before the perks get initiated or would I apply it to each quarter month as it hit? The latter seems like the better way to go, but it is something that will have to be ironed out. Again, I've got time on that one.
Could this phase out the current second job? Theoretically, it's a nice idea, but I don't want to get ahead of myself like I did the last time around. I'm taking great care not to make the mistakes I made in the first go around.
I'm excited for this. It'll be some time before you see anything substantial. I still have brainstorming, drafting, and quite a bit of rust to shake off; but I think getting back into this will be good. I think the setup is a lot better than the one I was trying to run on previously. It's going to be interesting to see how things play out this time around. I'm looking forward to it, though.
Click here to open an E-Trade account
Click here to open a RobinHood account
Click here to become a Swagbucks member
Click here to become an E-Poll member
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